31.2 BE OUTSPOKEN AND OVERCOME STIGMATIZING THOUGHTS (BOOST): A GROUP TREATMENT FOR INTERNALIZED STIGMA IN FIRST-EPISODE PSYCHOSIS

Abstract

Background: Nearly half of individuals experiencing psychotic disorders report moderate to high levels of internalized stigma, which can significantly interfere with the recovery goals of patients. Despite a growing awareness of the negative clinical outcomes of internalized stigma, few interventions have been designed to specifically address this issue in first episode psychosis. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to examine the efficacy of a novel treatment for this specialized population: BOOST (Be Outspoken and Overcome Stigmatizing Thoughts). BOOST is an eight-session group intervention that combines cognitive restructuring, assertive communication skills, and peer support. The group is co-facilitated by a peer support worker and the development of the intervention integrated service users. Methods: Participants (N = 15) recruited from an early psychosis intervention clinic received BOOST in a pilot open-label study. Pre- and post-treatment measures included the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Results: BOOST significantly improved internalized stigma, p = .04, Cohen's d = .76; self-esteem, p = .02, Cohen's d = 1.2; and satisfaction with life, p = .03; Cohen's d = 1.2. Conclusions: Results from this pilot study suggest that in addition to reducing internalized stigma, BOOST effects might transfer to other proximal and distal outcome measures. We will also present the results of a dissemination project within a large-scale psychosis network.